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Key details

Student types
16 - 18 coursesA Levels
Course type
A Level course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
Course code
Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000526

Course introduction

Whether you hope to one day be Chief Executive of a multinational company or you’re looking for an A Level that will give you a great understanding of how the world works, Business Studies is a great option.

The course has had considerable exam success over the past 20 years and our students have progressed onto a wide range of higher education courses.

You’ll learn all about the inner workings of the businesses you see around you every day, from your corner shop to global brands such as Nike. You’ll learn how businesses plan for the future, how they stay ahead of the competition, how they manage their resources and what people bring into the mix.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

A Level Business is a dynamic and engaging subject with a holistic approach to business. You will study models, theories and techniques to help you develop a deeper understanding of business issues relevant in the modern world. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

Topics include:

  • An introduction to business and objectives
  • Financial control
  • Operational control
  • Marketing decisions
  • Human resource management.

Course information

2 years

AQA A Level Business

To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths and preferably grade 5 or above in English Language.

To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including Grade 7 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language

If you have studied GCSE Business you should have a grade 5 or above.

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year one to progress to your second year.

You will take written examinations.

You could progress to a range of business, economics and accountancy degrees, or degrees in psychology, sociology, maths and history. Our students have also moved on to Higher Apprenticeships with companies such as Rolls Royce.

The subject allows a career in management in retail, marketing, accountancy, HR, event planning, logistics, supply chain management – and many other areas of business.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Select career:

Public Relations and Communications Directors

Potential Earnings

£127,676.29

Average Earnings

£59,342.08

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Business Management

People in these occupations manage organisations and operations, formulate business strategies, and consult on policy.

Marketing and Sales

People in these occupations conduct market research, create advertising content, sell goods, services, or property, and provide customer support.

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.